Lotensin (benazepril) is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Lotensin is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Lotensin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Lotensin if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not use benazepril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Lotensin if you are allergic to benazepril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use Lotensin together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Lotensin with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Lotensin if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.Benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Lotensin.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Lotensin.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Lotensin?
Take Lotensin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Lotensin with or without food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Lotensin.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Lotensin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Lotensin.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.
Lotensin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lotensin: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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little or no urinating;
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
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fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing; or
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severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Lotensin side effects may include:
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cough;
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headache; or
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drowsiness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lotensin?
Other drugs may interact with benazepril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
